Brain Abscess Incidence and Mortality in Taiwan

What is it about?

The study investigates the incidence and in-hospital mortality of brain abscess (BA) in Taiwan using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 6027 BA cases were identified between 2000 and 2013. The overall incidence was 1.88 per 100,000 person-years, increasing with age and showing a male predominance. The in-hospital mortality also increased with age but without a gender difference. Infection-related factors such as septicemia, pneumonia, and meningitis were associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The study highlights the importance of addressing potential infections to improve the outcome of BA patients. [Some of the content on this page has been created by AI]

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Why is it important?

This study on brain abscess (BA) in Taiwan is important because it provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and potential factors affecting the survival of BA patients. Understanding the incidence, demographics, and risk factors associated with BA can help healthcare professionals develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Key Takeaways: 1. Brain abscess (BA) is a severe neurological emergency with increasing incidence and in-hospital mortality rates, particularly in older age groups. 2. The study found a male predominance for BA and a mountain-shaped distribution of the male-to-female rate ratio, peaking at 40-44 years of age. 3. Infection-related diseases such as septicemia, pneumonia, and meningitis were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality in BA patients. 4. The study highlights the importance of paying attention to potential infections to improve the outcome of BA patients and suggests that non-infection-related comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and brain tumors, do not affect mortality.